Travelers Championship Day 1: Poston Tied for Lead, 'Tokyo Gold' Schauffele Tied 3rd by 1 Stroke, Lee Kyoung-hoon Tied 30th for Korea
Rory McIlroy is watching the ball immediately after putting on the 12th hole on the first day of the Travelers Championship. Cromwell, USA = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Getty Images
[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "An average of 1.57 putts per hole."
'Number 2' Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) has transformed into a 'stingy putter.' On the 24th (Korean time), at the Travelers Championship (total prize money $8.3 million) held at River Highlands TPC in Cromwell, Connecticut, USA (par 70, 6,852 yards), he surged with an 8-under par on the first day and immediately topped the leaderboard. J.T. Poston joined him in a tie for the lead, and 'Tokyo Olympics Gold' Xander Schauffele (both from the USA) is chasing closely in second place, one stroke behind at 7-under par 63.
McIlroy has been on the rise recently, with one win and four top-5 finishes in his last six events. The highlight was defending his title at the RBC Canadian Open, which ended on the 12th. While Dustin Johnson (USA), the 'face of the Canadian Open,' participated in the first LIV Golf event supported by Saudi Arabia during the same period, McIlroy earned even more spotlight by showing loyalty as the defending champion. This marks his second win following the CJ Cup last October, which is included in the 2022 season, and he is already eyeing his third win of the season.
On this day, he collected eight birdies. Starting at the 10th hole (par 4), he made 'stepping stone birdies' on the 13th and 15th holes, and consecutive birdies from the 18th to the 1st hole of the back nine, creating great momentum. He also made birdies on the 3rd hole (par 4) and consecutive birdies on the 6th and 7th holes. At the last 9th hole (par 4), which curves to the right, he hit a massive 332-yard drive over the trees, landing just in front of the green, then his second shot landed right next to the hole for an 'eagle-like birdie.' This was truly a different level of course management.
It is interesting that McIlroy made a long putt of 14.51 meters on the 7th hole (par 4). Putting has usually been his 'Achilles' heel.' In fact, his long game is practically world-class, including a driving distance of 319.10 yards (3rd on the PGA Tour). He underwent vision correction surgery in 2015 to gain 'hawk-like eyesight,' changed his putting grip and putter, and in 2016 received 'intensive tutoring' from Henrik Stenson's (Sweden) putting coach Phil Kenyon (England). He expressed confidence, saying, "My putting feel is good."
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is teeing off at the 12th hole on the first day of the Travelers Championship. Cromwell, USA = Getty Images / Multibits
Schauffele is a player to watch. With a 100% greens in regulation rate and 'computer-like iron shots,' he made seven birdies. Among the leaders, Patrick Cantlay is tied for 5th at 6-under par, defending champion Harris English is tied for 10th at 4-under par, and world number one Scottie Scheffler (all from the USA) is tied for 30th at 2-under par. From Korea, Im Sung-jae (24) withdrew the previous day, and Lee Kyoung-hoon (31) is performing well, tied for 30th. Kim Si-woo (27) is tied for 109th at 2-over par, and Kang Sung-hoon (35, both from CJ Logistics) is tied for 131st at 3-over par.
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